Vivek Ramaswamy's comments on AI and the trades spark H-1B debate. Social media users question his stance amid concerns about job displacement.
Republican figure Vivek Ramaswamy is under scrutiny for his perspective on the evolving job market, specifically his views on the H-1B visa program.
Ramaswamy posited that skilled trades, like welding and electrical work, will gain prominence as AI takes over many white-collar roles. This prompted social media users to ask if he would advise his children to pursue such careers. This question triggered a discussion about the H-1B program.
The H-1B program allows US companies to hire foreign workers. With growing concerns about job displacement due to both AI and foreign labor, many users suggested ending the program.
Ramaswamy responded by saying he's long considered the H-1B program flawed. He has previously advocated for reforms, suggesting US companies need to hire foreign talent because the US lacks the kind of work ethic needed to produce top talent.
The debate intensified when users asked if 'fixing' the H-1B system meant increasing the number of Indian workers. This referenced Ramaswamy's earlier promise to 'gut' the program if elected president, favoring a merit-based approach over a lottery system.